The smile almost returned to Roger James' face on one of the busiest barrier trials days imaginable at Cambridge yesterday.
Just a couple of hours after James had to put down exciting stallion prospect Zadoute, Kajema won an open 1200m trial as if headed for a decent stayer's win this
summer.
Kajema is a 6-year-old and James is hopeful, but not yet confident, the horse will realise his potential.
"He's been a lovely horse to work with, but he's never been free in his action," James said.
"He was so bad he could never trot to the track in the morning. He's been an awful actioned horse and it wasn't until late last autumn that the rider who takes him to the track suddenly said one morning that he felt a lot better in his action.
"After that, Kajema was narrowly beaten in the Rotorua Cup and may still have a decent race in him."
The run of that trial belonged to class 3-year-old Crusoe, who finished strongly down the outside with absolutely no pressure applied to be one length away in second place.
Crusoe looked exceptional as a juvenile last season and gives the impression he has improved.
"The intention is to be at Riccarton on November 12 and, hopefully we'll be there," said owner Bob Emery, talking about the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton.
Crusoe will make his first appearance at Ellerslie on Saturday week then have his final lead-up to Riccarton at Te Rapa on Labour Day.
Trainer Neville Couchman was more than pleased with Gee I Jane's final lead-up to a Melbourne spring campaign when she finished second in an open 1000m trial to Time Spent, who was impressive even allowing Gee I Jane was not tested.
"She's booked to fly to Melbourne next Tuesday and I haven't decided whether I'll run her in stakes class on Caulfield Guineas day or in a fillies and mares race."
Stakes-winning filly of last season Twinkling Star won her open 1000m heat and stablemate Flyn High did nothing wrong finishing a close fourth behind Bridie Belle in her heat. British Ensign won his open heat nicely from Illicitly and Aeroforce One did well to be only a neck back in third. He looks one to follow this time in.
